How Iwelu, Amaechi’s security chief died in hotel room in Kaduna

Yusuf Bello| The chief security officer (CSO) to Rotimi Amaechi, Tony Iwelu, has died.

The officer described as a senior intelligence personnel, died on Monday morning while on a trip with the transport minister of electric shock in his hotel room in Kaduna.

In a statement on Tuesday, Eric Ojiekwe, the ministry’s head of public relations, said Iwelu had lodged at the hotel after an official assignment in the state.

The statement read, “The Chief Security Officer to the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Mr. Tony Iwelu died on Monday, February 17, 2020 of electric shock from a shower rose in Stone Edge Hotel, Kaduna where they were lodged after an official assignment.”

“Until his death, Iwelu was in charge of all issues relating to the Minister’s security; a job he did with utmost professionalism. There is no gainsaying that the professionalism he brought to bear in the discharge of his job, sustained him for over two decades in the service of the Minister.

“There is no doubt that the Late Iwelu who hailed from Delta State will be greatly missed as friends and colleagues have been expressing shock and utter disbelief since the incident took place.

“They describe him as a vibrant, honest, kindhearted, loyal and easygoing young man who was conscientious in the discharge of his duties.”

Earlier on Tuesday, Peter Afunanya, chief spokesperson for the SSS, confirmed the officer was electrocuted in his hotel room.

“He died at his hotel during an electric accident,” Mr Afunanya said.

Iwelu’s death came a day after reports said the minister’s convoy was attacked in Kaduna while leaving from a train station to the city centre.

The minister has since denied the report.